Argentine fans invade Sao Paulo for last 16

An estimated 40,000 Argentina fans descended on Sao Paulo as the national team sought victory over Switzerland in order to continue their journey in the 2014 World Cup.

Tickets on the black market were selling for up to 1,500 US dollars in the hours leading up to the match, although tens of thousands of supporters will watch the match from outside the city's Corinthians Arena.

The consular office, which estimated numbers of 35 to 40,000 Argentines, down from their original calculation of up to 60,000, recommended that those without tickets congregated in one of the designated 'Fanfest' zones, areas of each host city equipped with giant screens and other amenities for supporters.

Numbers are lower than for the Albiceleste's last group match over Nigeria, where over 100,000 citizens travelled to the southern city to cheer on the team. Still, in order to meet demand Aerolíneas Argentinas authorised an extra 30 direct flights to Sao Paulo, while many more fans made the trip by coach or in private vehicles.